Bulldog Winter Sports awards presented

DAYTON–Bulldog student-athletes were recognized for their efforts and accomplishments of the recently completed basketball season at the Winter Sports Awards March 5 at the D.H.S. Auditorium.

Both girls and boys basketball teams were named WIAA Distinguished Teams for their academic achievements. The girls had a team G.P.A. of 3.394 and the boys 3.300. The Lady Bulldogs finished fifth with a 1-9 league record, 4-16 overall, and the Bulldogs finished seventh with a 1-11 league mark, 3-16 overall.

Five cheer squad members received recognition from Cheer Advisor Brianna Collier. Julianne Bowen received the Hardest Worker Award, Skylar McCann was presented Excellence Award, the 100% Award went to Opal Hari-Morin, Wyntr McCauley was named Most Spirited and Lanie Crow received the Outstanding Leadership Award. Not present were Ashlynn Thornhill, Most Coachable, and Lucy Kneff, recipient of the Never Quit Award.

Bowen, an eighth grader, was praised by Collier for her hard work, growth and that she started in cheer at her earliest opportunity.

Thornhill was recognized for working hard and perfecting cheers, always smiling and keeping up with schoolwork.

McCann's dedication was praised by Collier, who noted McCann's hard work, focus and going above and beyond. In addition, she serves as an excellent role model.

Kneff came to the squad have never cheered yet devoted a lot of time and effort, Collier said. She maintains a positive outlook and worked to keep her grades up.

Hair-Morin "started this team with a smile on her face and has worked hard every day," Collier said. She is a "natural" and always gives 100 percent.

McCauley joined the team after volleyball, yet made time to help Collier with cheer during the football season. "She works very hard at everything she does and worked great as a captain for this team," Collier said. "She brings a fierceness when it comes to cheering and school spirit, and I am so happy to have had that pleasure of working with her."

Crow was "the heart of the team," Collier said. "She has worked her butt off both seasons to ensure that we are a finely tuned machine. I could not have done this year without her and she will be missed greatly."

It was a building year for the Lady Bulldogs and Head Coach Jorie Aukerman saw improvement by her players this season. All players received varsity letters.

Kamryn Tupling was voted by teammates as Most Valuable Player. Lila Hutchens was presented the Captain's Award and Marissa Tupling received the Top Defensive Player Award. Top Offensive Player was Teagan Culley and Most Improved Player was Jaelynn Chapman.

Seniors were Grace Trump and Kamryn Tupling. "Grace is probably one of the most coachable kids I've seen," Aukerman said. "She will listen, question respectfully...you just know she wants to do better." Kamryn Tupling was a team leader, Aukerman said. "You might be small and you might be quiet, but your team respected you and looked up to you each and every day. I wish I could've coached you all four years."

Kinsey Fuller "was a three-point shooting star," Aukerman said. "Once she got her rhythm going, you couldn't stop her."

Teagan Culley earned her Top Offensive Player award with tenacity on offense, Aukerman said. "This award goes to not just to the person who scores the most points, but the one who makes things and plays happen offensively to help the team score."

Captain's Award recipient Lila Hutchens recognized her leadership "on and off the court," Aukerman said. Hutchens has basketball knowledge and athleticism which combines with a work ethic and "positive attitude no matter what the situation was." "You were always the one to step up first on free throws, getting on the baseline for running, and just being there at all times," Aukerman said.

Marissa Tupling, Top Defensive Player, was "the quickest defender I have seen in years," Aukerman said. "Her defense overall is beautiful. I am so excited to see this girl excel even more next year."

Three freshmen and an eighth grader with potential round out the team.

Peyton Benavides returned to the team after playing as an eighth grader last season, Aukerman said. "Having such a young player lead is hard to find," she added. Benavides is a well-rounded player, able to play post and "make a great move," or step out and shot a mid-range or three pointer. "That is a dangerous player to have," Aukerman said. Benavides received an Honorable Mention for All League, meaning her skills were acknowledged by other coaches.

Alexa Jones overcame "lots of learning curves" and a favorite memory of Aukerman's was a moment with Jones, following her coach's advice, successfully did a "post move" in a game and ran back on defense looking at the coach "did you see it?"

Jaelynn Chapman was tapped as Most Improved Player. "Each of our girls could have easily obtained this award," Aukerman said, "but one really stood out from the others. Going from middle school to high school basketball is tough but she took it like a champ."

"Very coachable" Cindi Howard is an "eighth grader who brought speed and fearlessness" to the team, Aukerman said.

Lucy Trump served as the team manager and was appreciated by the team, the coach said. Madison Richardson kept excellent score book, she said.

Boys Varsity Coach Clayton Strong named senior players Cayle Davis and Nolan Korslund as recipients of the Senior Leadership award. Korslund was also voted Best Teammate for his willingness to help anyone and everyone with anything.

After an absence of a few years, the Bulldogs are back with a freshman- and sophomore-heavy squad, only one junior and two seniors.

Most Valuable Player was Denver Hutchens, leader in individual statistics and hit a game-winning shot, Strong said. Hutchens was also named All League.

The Top Defender was Jordan McCowen, who was a top rebounder and could stick on their best player, Strong said.

Colton Steinhoff received the Coach's Award. His season was cut short by a wrist fracture yet he was a valuable component of the team.

Duane Moore received the Most Improved plaque. He scored a buzzer beater against Riverview, Strong said.

Sophomores Carson Potter and Tristan Rennaker both were noted for hitting threes, Strong said, Potter scoring a banked-in shot in Dayton's win over Touchet, and Rennaker draining a notable one against Prescott.

Freshman players Raymond Yutzy and Jack Zanger also saw lots of playing time and contributed. Yutzy has a knack for finding the ball, snagging 18 rebounds in the Prescott game, and Zanger was a utility player, put into a variety of positions, Strong said.

All received either letters or letter pins. Coaches each expressed appreciation to the school, A.D. Sam Korslund, parents, Booster Club and the community.